Placenta Encapsulation

The practice of consuming one's placenta has been around for a long time, especially within the world of eastern medicine. But recently, as you may have noticed, it's finally finding it's place in the western mainstream, too - and for good reason. Discover the benefits with Gentle Beginnings Birth.

Because we have seen the positive impact it can have on postpartum recovery, we knew it was an important service to offer our clients.

Placenta encapsulation has been anecdotally linked to a better postpartum experience, and some of its purported benefits include increased energy, decreased mood swings, lower occurrence of baby blues and other PMADs, increased milk production, and shortened healing time. The placenta will be prepared according to your prefered method, either Traditional Chinese Method or Raw, then encapsulated for consumption. Because every placenta is different, the capsule yield varies. For more information about preparation and capsule-yield, see our FAQ below.

Our professional placenta encapsulation service includes the following:

Pick up placenta to be encapsulated.

The full placenta preparation and encapsulation.

Proper storage container of the completed pills.

24/7 on-call availability beginning at 3 weeks prior to your EDD.

Written instructions with proper storage and handling of the finished pills.

Suggestions for ingestion amounts. umbilical keepsake.

Referrals to community services and resources both prenatally and postpartum, as desired.

4oz placenta tincture and 4oz handmade organic placenta salve

Delivery of placenta pills/tincture/salve.

Placenta encapsulation and cord keepsake.

COST: Placenta Encapsulation $200

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the preparation process for your placenta services?

Placenta Encapsulation
Depending on which method you select, the placenta is rinsed, then either steamed or not. It is then sliced and dehydrated until it is fully dried. Finally, it is ground into a fine powder and put into capsules for consumption.

Placenta Tincture
Placenta Tinctures are a great way to add longevity and preserve the benefits of the placenta. I take a small piece of raw placenta and combine it with a drinking alcohol solution. The tincture takes 6 weeks to be fully prepared, but will last indefinitely and can be used later in life for PMS and menopause, or any time of transition or stress.

What is placenta salve?

This healing balm is made with dried placenta and a variety of 100% organic healing herbs and oils, Herbs are infused for several hours before being strained and packaged. Used to lessen scars and reduce itching and discomfort, this gentle salve is perfect for the postpartum time. It can also be used for hemorrhoids, perineal tearing, cracked nipples, burns, diaper rash, eczema, sunburns or any general skin irritation. Safe for baby as long as there is no sensitivity present - always be sure to test a small area first.

What is the difference between TCM-inspired Placenta Preparation and Raw Prep?

The Traditional Chinese Medicine-inspired technique is the oldest-known and most commonly used method for postpartum placenta preparation, and involves steaming first steaming the placenta with warming herbs, and then dehydrating the placenta before encapsulating it. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that the process of labor and birth leaves the mother cold, and deficient of blood and body fluids, so one way to promote healing during the postpartum period is to return the yang energy via heat. This is why steam and warming herbs are incorporated, and this processing method is believed to warm, tonify, and nourish during the
postpartum recovery.

With Raw Prep, the placenta is not steamed prior to dehydrating. Additionally, the placenta is dehydrated at a lower temperature to adhere to the “raw food diet” approach, which requires that all food preparation is restricted to temperatures less than 118 degrees F. Those who choose Raw Prep believe that more of the essence of the placenta is preserved, as the steaming process can destroy vital enzymes in food, and that as such, the raw method yields a medicine with more hormones and nutrients than the TCM method.

What are the risks of placenta encapsulation?

Because there has been little research done in regard to the effects of placenta encapsulation, it is hard to predict its potential effects on consumers. All evidence of benefits and risks is anecdotal at this time, but some potential side effects that have been reported include headaches, stomach aches, increased anxiety, too much energy, insomnia, or under- or over-supply of breast milk during consumption. It is important to talk with your encapsulator and medical provider about any ill-effects you may experiencing, and a consumption adjustment may be needed.

How many placenta capsules will I get?

Just as every baby is different, so is even placenta. As such, a specific yield cannot be
determined in advance. Depending on the size of their placenta, most people will receive
between 100-200 capsules.

I had pitocin, an epidural, or a cesarean birth. Can I still encapsulate my placenta?

There are very few instances in which a placenta is not considered safe for processing, and typically the method of birth or medications used during the birthing process are not contraindicated for encapsulation. However, please contact your encapsulator and talk with your medical provider about your specific concerns to be sure you are a good candidate for placenta encapsulation.